When I was getting ready to graduate, it felt like everyone in my class was going to one of four schools: University of Idaho, Boise State University, University of Montana Bozeman, and Utah State. Now, I wanted to play soccer so I was never going to go to those schools anyway, but I also wanted to get AWAY and meet new people. But, here are 7 things I learned going far away:

1. You miss your parents

You kinda expect this, but you don't realize how much you miss them until you're a thousand miles away and it's a long weekend and while everyone else is going home, you're stuck in the dorms.

2. It's really HARD to make friends

Maybe this is just because I came from a small school where I'd known almost everyone since we were like 4, but for real making friends is hard. I always knew I was awkward, but I never knew how awkward until I came to college

3. Lonely orphans club

Some people go home on long weekends. Some of your teammate's parents will come to every game. Meanwhile, you FaceTime your family every other weekend. But, you're not alone! There are lots of other people who are far away from home! Someone should make a club...

4. You're always living out of a suitcase

You go home for breaks and live out of a suitcase. You come to college and sort of unpack but still you're in a dorm so you're moving out soonish anyway. Summer? Lol. Maybe you unpack your favorite tank top and shorts, but other than that your suitcase is open on your floor, still half full.

5. "I'll just have my mom bring it"

Someone else forget something at home? Oh, they can just have their mom bring it or they'll get it when they go home for the three day weekend. You forget something? Well...your parents might send it in the care package when they get around to getting it shipped.

6. Mooching meals

One of my favorite parts of going over to my friends' houses, besides getting to see their families and pets, is mooching a home-cooked meal.

7. Pets

I miss my fur babies so so so much. I miss cuddling with them. I miss them trying to steal my food. I miss them being so excited to see me when I came home. Trust me, you will miss your pets.

8. Where are you from? ....Why did you come here?

Curious minds want to know

9. You grow

I would not be the person I am today if I had gone to a school close to home, and that's a good thing. I take pride in who I am today and being away from the security of Idaho and my family has played a big part in that.